Wize Blog

Fuji Gets Serious About Image Quality With the FinePix F200EXR

Compact digital cameras have been treated rather poorly by camera manufacturers over the past few years by stuffing endless features into them with marketing being the forefront of concerns. These "features" have lead to a ridiculous number of pixels on a tiny sensor, which results in very grainy images for users. Fuji has just announced a potential powerhouse of a compact digital camera. The F200EXR offers a 12 megapixel sensor that operates in a number of image capture modes. Normally, I would scoff at a 12 megapixel sensor as too much for such a small sensor; however, Fuji's shooting options may make this camera work those pixels more effectively. The key to this camera's potential lies in the 3 modes in which the image sensor operates, which Fuji described in its press release as follows:

Fine Capture Mode (High Resolution) , which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even; Pixel Fusion Mode (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) , which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce six million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and Dual Capture (Wide Dynamic Range), which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights and low lights that would otherwise be lost.

While there is nothing truly fancy about the Fine Capture Mode, the Pixel Fusion Mode and the Dual Capture could give consumers what they need in a compact camera. We'll know more once this camera hits the market and real world sample images make their way online from the hands of users. It just might be the next big thing.

Eric is a guest author the Wize blog covering digital cameras. He is the Editor of Photography Bay, which covers digital camera reviews, rumors and news

Brookstone Inflatable Travel U-Pillow

Do you love listening to music while swimming? Are you afraid of ruining the radio if it gets wet? Do you have the radio on near the house and get tired of getting in and out of the pool to change the channel or volume, just to drag dirt and grass into the pool? These are problems that many people have experienced in the past. There is now a product that will solve all of these problems. Brookstone has developed an inflatable radio pillow for the pool!

Now you will be able to listen to the radio right there in the pool thanks to this inflatable, water-resistant pillow. These pillows are made by Brookstone. You will be able to pick up AM/FM transmissions, so you will be able to catch whatever type of music you love to listen to. The pillow combines technology with something that is comfortable at the same time. With just a simple touch of a button, you can change the channel or volume. These pillows are great for the beach or any pool. It can make your aquatic experience a happy and relaxing one. So lay back, relax and let the music take you to paradise!

This post was written by Devicepedia, guest author of the Wize Blog

LG Breathalyzer Cell Phone (LG LP4100)

Drinking and cell phones usually don’t go very well together. Often people get drunk and end up making calls that they later regret. This has been happening since cell phones became an integral part of our culture. Well there is a new cell phone put out by LG that can stop the drunken calls to certain people from happening. The LG LP4100, or otherwise known as the LG Breathalyzer cell phone, is the latest creation to come from LG.

The LG LP4100 allows you to block certain numbers from being dialed if your blood-alcohol level is greater than 0.08. It will prevent the embarrassment of having to see your boss the day after you accidentally “drunk dialed.” It can also prevent you from calling an ex and making a fool of yourself. This is thanks to the anti-drunk dialing feature that has been installed into the phone. This phone has shown that it can be very popular and has already sold 200,000 phones in Korea to date. This is the perfect phone for anyone who has made that great mistake of getting drunk and dialing someone that they regretted in the morning.

This post was written by Devicepedia, guest author of the Wize Blog

Trekstor i.Beat Organix Limited Edition Gold MP3 Player

Music is something that is universally known and shared. The way we listen to music has changed from something big as a way of listening to something that can fit in your hand. We first only had big and bulky stereos but now technology has advanced to being able to listen to music on devices that can fit anywhere. MP3 players are widely found because they are small and can be taken anywhere. If you are one of the lucky few, you can order custom MP3 players that can be tailored to anything you desire. The Trekstor i.Beat Organix Limited Edition Gold MP3 player is an example of a custom order.

It was custom ordered by a Russian-Canadian billionaire. The MP3 player has 63 diamonds and covered in 18-karat gold. It is a 1 GB memory, can play multiple forms of music files (including MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF and OGG files), has two headphone jacks, a radio, alarm clock, stopwatch and a voice recorder. It is being sold on Amazon but does come with a hefty price tag. This MP3 player is considered the world’s most expensive MP3 player. They are a limited edition so if you want one, you must act now before they are all gone!

This post was written by Devicepedia, guest author of the Wize Blog

Nikon D700 vs. Canon 5D Mark II

The Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II are two of the latest, cutting edge DSLRs offered by the top camera manufactures. The key attraction to each of these cameras is the use of a "full frame" sensor. The term "full frame" references the dimensions of the old 35mm film that those of us born in the 80s (or earlier) still remember using. Digital camera sensors have typically been very small over the past several years, even most DSLRs have been smaller than full frame. The sensor size of compact cameras are tiny (about the size of a pencil eraser) compared to full frame sensors. The full frame sensors in the Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II allow the cameras to take full advantage of light, which is crucial for smooth images. The Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700 have another thing in common - a hefty price tag. Both ring in at around $2700, though the Nikon D700 is starting to see a bit of a discount at some retailers. These cameras are not for the faint of heart, or the light of wallet. If you are shopping for one of these, then you should have a good understanding of photography and understand the difference that a $2700 camera can make in your images. There are pros and cons to each of these cameras when evaluated against the other.

Image Size and Quality

The Canon 5D Mark II, for instance, has a 21.1 megapixel sensor, which means you can make 20x30" prints all day long and not worry about needing more resolution. The Nikon D700 has a 12.2 megapixel sensor, which is plenty for all but the select few who do huge prints.

Low Light Sensitivity / Noise

Both cameras produce stellar images in low light. You can boost the ISO (sensitivity to light) all the way up to 25600, which was unheard of prior to the introduction of the Nikon D700's predecessor (the profession grade Nikon D3). Both cameras perform excellent up to ISO 6400 and then the images start to look noisy in both. I have successfully shot with each camera at night handheld and gotten relatively clean images. Indoor shooting without a flash is now possible in just about any light with the D700 and 5D Mark II.

Autofocus

I give Nikon the edge in autofocus capability. It has 51 autofocus points, whereas the Canon only has 9 AF points. Having shot with both of them, the Nikon is simply more sensitive in autofocusing, particularly in low light.

Conclusion

I hate to do it, but I have to say that it depends on you and your shooting style as to which one should win out the battle between these full framed beasts. If you are looking for speedy autofocus and don't need the huge files, go with the Nikon. If you want to print big, it's a no brainer, go with Canon. Obviously, if you are tied to a system with a bag full of Canon or Nikon lenses, then you have to keep it in the family. I don't think you would be too disappointed with either one. Me? I'm a Canon kind of guy, so I went with the Canon 5D Mark II - and I love it!

Eric is a guest author for the Wize blog covering digital cameras. He is the Editor of Photography Bay, which covers digital camera reviews, rumors and news.

Stargazing with the Best Telescopes

There's nothing like a clear night when the stars fill the sky and you wonder what's out there. Currently we are if you've been keeping up with the news. There's an International Space Station, which is fascinating when you get a minute to take a look.

Of course you can delve deeper into space with a telescope. It's a bit of technology where you can get away from clicking and punching all the devices around you.

Nothing puts you further into space than a telescope. Have you ever wondered how to shop for one? Well, you can start here with a list of a couple highly rated telescopes great for stargazing:

1.  Orion StarBlast Astro 9814 (267 x 114mm) costs just under $200. (pictured)
2.  Celestron NexStar 130SLT (31145) (306 x 130mm) costs about $400.
3.  Meade 70AZ-A (140 x 70mm) costs about $80.

Braving the Masses and the After-Christmas Sales

With reports of a lackluster 2007 holiday shopping season, many retailers are relying upon the After-Christmas sales to make up for it, and you can expect to see many offering the traditional discounts plus much more in the coming days. If you decide to take advantage of this time, and brave the masses by venture into the After-Christmas sales we offer the following tips to minimize the stress.

Here’s how Wize.com can help:

1. Be prepared. If you're returning      items, have them neatly packed and easy to carry, and remember to bring      the gift receipts, if you have them. If you're going to cash in on the      deals, try to have an idea of what you're going for. (If you're just      looking for 'a great deal', you may end up with a load of items that sit      unused until you finally donate them to charity years from now.) The best way to prepare is to do      research online prior, so you know average prices, as well as user and      expert opinions. It is important to      research both users, as well as experts so you have an idea of long term      usage vs. the expert eye.
2. Think      Before You Buy. If you see a great deal on something, think of a      specific use for it before you buy it. Better yet, know the price range of      the item by researching online. Many times as well, retailers will have additional bonuses if      purchased online like free tax, free shipping on top of the discount. By      purchasing online, you can not only save additional dollars, but save the      hassle of lines, the added stress of a crowded mall, and spend more time      with your family and loved ones. That’s a win-win!
3. Get      In, Get Out. This is probably self-evident, but if you must venture      into the stores or malls this week, it's a good idea to have a clear plan      regarding which stores to visit, check them out, and leave before you get      exhausted. The alternative which will save even more stress is again,      start out online. The benefit of      shopping online and researching at a place like wize.com is that, you can      browse at your leisure, for instance late at night after the kids are in      bed, or early in the morning before the crowds even think about heading to      the malls. Once you then arrive at      the stores, hit only the ones that you decide are necessities. If you really take your time and browse      at the first few stores you visit, you may not have the energy to visit      other stores you'd also really like to check out. Save the leisurely      browsing for other times of the year when it's more fun, anyway, and less      crowded.
4. Stock up Now. Stocking a selection      of nice but somewhat generic gifts can be a stress reliever for the rest      of the year when you need gifts for teachers, hostesses, or other people in      your life who may need small gifts, and now is a great time to save on      them. Have an idea of the type of      people you may need to purchase for prior to hitting the stores, research      online prices and remember to bring notes of online sales, and even the      specific products you are looking for. This will save time and money in the short term, as well as the      long term.
5. Think of After-Christmas sales as an      adventure! Think of the whole research and shopping      experience as an adventure, because it undoubtedly will be, and expect it      to take at least twice as much time as it normally would. If you arrive      prepared, you will be sure to have a stress free post holiday shopping      experience, and if you are still not sure you want to venture into the      masses, always check out wize.com where we do the research      and recommend products for your needs.

What Happens if You Misplace, Lose, or Your iPhone is Stolen --- ANOTHER UPDATE!

With the AT&T tilt sitting on my desk in a state of complete uselessness, I decided I was done with AT&T and would move to a different carrier and a temporary phone, and wanted to find the cheapest and easiest plan I could find. 

Already being a Sprint PCS Connection Card Plan holder (I use a Sprint mobile card for wireless internet on the go) I decided to look into their plans, and found them to be less expensive than T-mobile and Verizon. I began the process of purchasing my new phone and plan until another error message hit my computer screen. 

A friendly live chat window popped up, and a person named Samantha greeted me.  I copied the chat log and am posting it below because it provides some insights into another mobile carrier's pitfalls, as well as some the non-disclosed information that carriers try to slide by those who don't have the time to read the small print.  

7:46:41 PM      Samantha

I will be happy to assist you with your order.

7:47:06 PM      Samantha

You can add the phone order to your existing account in the checkout process.

7:49:20 PM      Stephanie

yes, that is what I was trying to do, but an error message kept popping up

7:50:26 PM      Samantha

I apologize that you are having difficulties. What is the error message?

7:51:15 PM      Stephanie

no problem, just went through it again

7:51:19 PM      Stephanie

it says:
Please resolve the following error(s) in the Monthly Billing section.

* P2k Account Validation FIelds

7:54:32 PM      Samantha

I apologize for your inconvenience, however this error occurs when the account number has not been converted to the new billing system.

7:54:51 PM      Stephanie

ok, what does that mean?

7:56:07 PM      Samantha

That means that you are on our old billing system, and your account has not been changed over as of yet.

7:56:41 PM      Stephanie

and?

7:56:42 PM      Samantha

We hope to have all the account switched over by the end of December.

7:56:51 PM      Stephanie

okay, what does that mean?

7:57:02 PM      Stephanie

so I have to go into a store?

7:57:12 PM      Samantha

You can order as a new customer.

7:57:35 PM      Stephanie

but why would I want to do that?

7:58:56 PM      Samantha

In order to receive the most savings for your new phone and service, you would want to complete your order online.

7:59:02 PM      Stephanie

how much would I save?

7:59:07 PM      Samantha

I do apologize for the inconvenience you've encountered on Sprint.com this evening, however there are just a couple additional steps to take in order to complete your web order as a new account.

7:59:29 PM      Stephanie

what is the difference in savings to order online?

7:59:30 PM      Samantha

Which phone are you ordering with us this evening, Stephanie?

7:59:49 PM      Stephanie

the LG rumor

8:00:32 PM      Samantha

You will end up paying $99.99 for the Rumor rather than only $49.99 since you would not receive the *Web Special* pricing; a promotion only available on Sprint.com.

8:01:32 PM      Samantha

Also, if you can return to your shopping cart page before completing your order, I can give you a promo code which will give you a $50 credit on your first or second bill showing your new line.

8:02:06 PM      Stephanie

well, that is nice of you, that would be for a credit to my calling charges?

8:02:58 PM      Samantha

That would be a $50 credit toward your calling plan. This would appear on the first or second invoice that shows the line of service you're ordering with us tonight.

8:03:22 PM      Stephanie

okay, and just confirming, there would not be an activation fee if I go ahead and do this?

8:03:58 PM      Samantha

That is correct. Your order for another line of service will include free shipping as well as the free activation.

8:04:08 PM      Samantha

The credit I've offered this evening will not effect your current savings in any way.

8:04:14 PM      Stephanie

okay great

8:04:48 PM      Samantha

If you could scroll to the bottom of your checkout page, you should see a button "Return to cart" this will take you straight to your shopping cart where you will enter the promo code for your $50 credit.

8:05:17 PM      Stephanie

I see the promo code box

8:05:53 PM      Samantha

Wonderful! In order to provide you with this promo code, may I please have the first and last name as it appears on your Sprint account, Stephanie?

8:06:01 PM      Stephanie

Stephanie ****

8:06:48 PM      Samantha

Thank you very much! Your promo code is 50RWC01 (with both 0 being numerical). Please be sure to enter this code manually as it sometimes does not get accepted with you copy and paste.

8:07:08 PM      Samantha

Once you enter the code, you'll want to click on the blue "Apply" button before returning to your checkout.

8:07:49 PM      Stephanie

okay

8:08:06 PM      Stephanie

I can see the $50 savings "for later"

8:08:32 PM      Samantha

Wonderful! That means the code was successfully applied, and you can now return to your checkout.

8:08:42 PM      Samantha

For web chat sales tracking records, may I have the confirmation number once you have completed your order?

8:08:58 PM      Stephanie

sure

8:09:40 PM      Stephanie

I have to give my SSN again?

8:09:52 PM      Samantha

That is correct.

8:10:04 PM      Stephanie

but I am already a customer with you

8:10:42 PM      Samantha

I do understand, however your account is currently under our old billing system, and not yet on our new billing system. This is the reason you received your previous error.

8:11:02 PM      Samantha

We are hoping to have all customers converted to our new billing system by the end of December this year.

 

8:11:27 PM      Samantha

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, however, to avoid the P2K error, you'll want to complete your order by creating a new account.

8:11:44 PM      Stephanie

okay, so it says my credit was approved

8:12:12 PM      Samantha

Now all that's left is to complete your final checkout screen.

8:13:40 PM      Stephanie

okay, the total previously was $49.99, and now it is $75.36, is the additional amount for tax?

8:13:45 PM      Stephanie

on the phone?

8:14:22 PM      Samantha

That is correct. The taxes are calculated for the original cost of the phone. Also, if you added any accessories to your order, this will change your total.

8:15:40 PM      Stephanie

okay, and I would like to port my AT&T number over, but I purchsed the account and phone 2 days ago and thus did not ever get a account #

8:16:27 PM      Samantha

What you'll want to do instead of choosing to bring a number to Sprint in checkout; which will ultimately delay your order is, under "Let Sprint Determine Your Number" enter a local landline number.

8:16:47 PM      Samantha

This will allow us to assign a temporary number to your phone which allows for phone activation, and to determine your calling area.

8:17:07 PM      Samantha

Once you receive your phone, you can have your AT&T number ported over through Customer Care.

8:17:41 PM      Stephanie

okay, except I only use a cell, no landline

8:18:18 PM      Samantha

You can enter *any* landline number. You can use a work number, or even a number to your favorite restaurant.

8:18:38 PM      Stephanie

okay

8:20:16 PM      Stephanie

the terms & conditions state "a minimum term either 1 or 2 years" which am I signing up for?

8:20:57 PM      Samantha

That information has not yet been updated, Sprint now only offers 2-year service agreements.

8:21:42 PM      Stephanie

so the terms & conditions are not correct?

8:21:56 PM      Stephanie

what is the early termination fee?

8:22:07 PM      Samantha

The information is correct aside from the fact that the "1-year" term has not yet been removed.

8:22:40 PM      Samantha

Early termination currently is $200.00 for each line of service canceled that is still under contract.

8:22:52 PM      Stephanie

thanks for all of this information, by the way, I appreciate it

8:23:03 PM      Stephanie

does it say that in the terms?

8:23:13 PM      Stephanie

the $200, I didn’t see it

 

8:24:02 PM      Samantha

Yes, the termination penalty information should be included in the terms and conditions. I still have my form that came with my phone and it lists the termination penalties with Sprint.

8:24:33 PM      Stephanie

It just states: Your exact Term Commitment and Early Termination Fee may vary based on the Services you select and will be disclosed to you during the sales transaction.

8:24:49 PM      Stephanie

yet nothing has been disclosed

8:25:12 PM      Samantha

There are quite a few terms and conditions. I feel sure somewhere in there the cost will be listed as that is what is stated on my Sprint form with the terms and conditions.

8:25:13 PM      Stephanie

just curious about that

 

8:25:43 PM      Stephanie

when I receive the phone, so not when I purchase, only after when I get the bill?

8:25:47 PM      Samantha

We will be changing the termination penalties around the first of next year however to be prorated based upon how close to the end of contract you are when you cancel service.

8:26:17 PM      Stephanie

oh, fun, do you know what it will be at the first of the year? Appreciate your patience

8:27:08 PM      Samantha

The cost will be prorated and our customer care agents are the representatives who will hold that information.

8:27:25 PM      Samantha

How is your checkout coming along, Stephanie?

8:27:32 PM      Stephanie

prorated depending on how long you have been with Sprint?

8:27:48 PM      Stephanie

am waiting on Sprint internet to refresh the page

8:28:03 PM      Samantha

As we've discussed, it's prorated based upon how close to the end of contract you are when you choose to cancel service.

8:28:19 PM      Stephanie

ok, makes sense

8:28:23 PM      Samantha

What is showing on your checkout screen currently?

8:28:34 PM      Stephanie

ah

8:28:44 PM      Stephanie

There were errors processing your request. Please verify your information and try again.

8:28:52 PM      Stephanie

is the screen which just came up

8:28:58 PM      Samantha

What information is highlighted in red?

8:29:28 PM      Stephanie

nothing was

8:29:40 PM      Stephanie

just submitting again and now processing once again

8:30:00 PM      Samantha

When you entered the local landline number, did you click on the blue "Locate Area" button?

8:30:18 PM      Stephanie

it's saying "please wait until your order is processed"

8:30:37 PM      Stephanie

yes, did click on the blue button

8:30:38 PM      Samantha

So you see the processing bar with steps 1-4 and a progress bar?

8:31:01 PM      Stephanie

I think went thru because just saw an email from Sprint, but still is "order processing"

8:31:12 PM      Stephanie

progress bar is 1/4 done

8:31:24 PM      Stephanie

says "submitting data"

8:31:29 PM      Samantha

If you would, go ahead and open the email from Sprint, and let me know what is in there.

8:31:54 PM      Samantha

You may be able to go ahead and close your browser, but please don't until we've determined whether or not your order has in fact processed.

8:31:58 PM      Stephanie

says I am registered with Sprint

8:32:08 PM      Stephanie

and I can access my account online

8:32:19 PM      Samantha

Did you receive an order confirmation number in that email beginning with "ws-bbcc"?

 

8:32:34 PM      Stephanie

yes

8:32:43 PM      Stephanie

is that the number you need?

8:33:00 PM      Samantha

That does mean that your order was successfully submitted to Sprint, and yes ma'am that is the order confirmation number that I need.

 

What Happens if You Misplace, Lose, or Your iPhone is Stolen --- UPDATE!

Thursday, 4:00pm - It was mentioned by a co-worker that every time he calls my cell, it does not pick up and AT&T has a message that immediately hangs up on him.  Hmmm... I investigate further, and indeed, AT&T has turned off my cell for some reason.  Working at home today battling a fever, I now have the choice to wait until tomorrow to head to the store which is 20 miles away, or go now.  Either way, for some reason, AT&T has obviously shut my phone off, now, the phone that is not the iPhone, the $4190 + tax AT&T tilt phone is a brick. 

To read more about adventures with AT&T and the saga that began 42 hours ago, check out my last blog post.

What Happens if You Misplace, Lose, or Your iPhone is Stolen

As excited as I was the first week I had my brand new iPhone, I suddenly was not so thrilled when Monday of this week it vanished.  Yes, I was frustrated that I would have to suck it up and spend another $399 + tax for the new phone, but little did I know the ordeal I was about to endure.

Tuesday, 9:08am - I head to the Apple store to pick up the new phone. Upon arrival they mention that first I should go to the AT&T store to cancel the existing account and make sure I am credited for any erroneous payments that may have occurred once it went missing. Makes sense.

Tuesday, 9:15am - Hit the AT&T store, and after waiting 10 mins to find someone who looked interested enough in helping me (one store worker was playing loud music on his own phone and said it would be a few mins-- then he started rapping), a man appeared from the back room. 

Tuesday, 9:26am - Over an irate  woman who was screaming about her  phone bill,  I explained the situation, and we began to close my account.  As it seems, some fortunate person found my iPhone and called China, multiple times. 

Tuesday, 9:58am - Finally the AT&T store worker was convinced that I had no reason to call China and said he would credit the account and I am sent back to Apple to buy the new iPhone. Yay!

Tuesday, 10:17am - I arrive at work, plug in the new iPhone and prepare to activate. 

Tuesday, 10:25am - I receive an error message which states that the iPhone is unable to activate at this time and I must called customer service, so I do.

Thuesday, 10:47am - I get a live person on the phone. Again, Yay!  I explain my situation, and they mention that they have no idea what the issue would be and the only thing to do is go into a AT&T store and activate there.

Tuesday, 11:14am - I leave my office with the new iPhone in hand and reutrn back to the AT&T store, where said male employee is still listening to his music and rapping loudly.  The irate woman arguing about her bill is still there arguing, and now a line has formed with others commenting that their bills included many calls which they did not make.  One woman who I would say was in her 60's had a bill which called The Netherlands 6,880 times she said, and no, she knew no one in Europe but thought it would likely be a nice place to visit. 

Tuesday, 11:42am -  I make contact with the man who was helping me before, and lift my new iPhone out of the bag.  "Oh, he says, ummm, yeah, we have no way to activate here. We don't have any computers. You can try going down to the Apple store."  No computers, seriously????  From in the storage room, an AT&T salesman comes out and says that he has his laptop in his car and would be willing to get it so we can activate the phone there.

Tuesday, 12:22am - Walk thru the itunes process, same issue, so the AT&T salesman calls his own customer service. 

Tuesday, 12:29pm - We get someone on the line who finally realizes there is a hold on the account from the lost phone. 

Tuesday, 12:35pm - I am told we will need to exchange the iPhone for a new one which would have a different sim card and thus would work.  The AT&T salesman says that would be a 10% restocking fee, or $39.90.  I disagree.

Tuesday, 1:14pm - The AT&T salesman finally gives in and waives the restocking fee, and we start with a new iPhone they have in the AT&T store. 

Tuesday, 2:35pm - The entire process is repeated and same error message pops up, so we call AT&T customer service once again.

Tuesday, 3:42pm - After 2 supervisors, 3 managers, and switching out the sim cards 4 times on the new iPhone a person at the customer care AT&T center realizes that the $200 activation I had originally paid never transferred to the new account and once it did  we would all be good to go.  "How long would that take?," I inquired.  "Likely by midnight." 

Tuesday, 4:19pm - I leave the store, and expect by midnight for the phone to be ready for activation.  During my time there, 7 people came back with phones they had purchased in the last 2 weeks that did not work, 4 people came in with phones they had purchased in the last month that had lost all cell reception.  22 people came in that had erroneous calls on their bills.  6 people came in that had charges on their bills for services they did not ask for such as "texting." 

Wednesday, 8:46am - Try to activate the iPhone --- do I really need to mention it now... same error message. 

Wednesday, 9:52am - I arrive at the AT&T store.  Again, there are  people waiting  with  angry looks and loud voices yelling things and pointing to their bills.  I think, "this is worse than the DMV on a bad day!"

Wednesday, 10:11am - I make contact with a salesperson, who stares at me blankly and says "not sure what to tell you."  I ask to speak to the manager I spoke with the day prior.

Wednesday, 10:32am - A different manager emerges from the back.  She says, "I don't know what to tell you, we don't have computers here."  I mentioned the friendly store worker who let us borrow his laptop.  He should be in by 11:30am she says. 

Wednesday, 11:42am - He arrives.  We load up and connect with itunes... once again, same error message so we call AT&T customer care.

Wednesday, 12:23pm -  They notice I am jotting down notes, and ask why. I mention the blog I write for and that at least makes they attentive for a few minutes.  We get someone on the phone, and walk them through all that has happened.

Wednesday, 1:12pm - AT&T customer care confirms that the $200 deposit did transfer and maybe it is a faulty iPhone.  Keeping them on the phone, they say that it will be a 10% percent restocking fee, I just stare at them, and the guy behind the counter say "okay, we can wave it, but don't say we didn't ever give you anything."   

Wednesday,  1:32pm -  We try a new phone, and same thing.  I suggest, maybe if  we credit my  bank account the $200 and recharge me, perhaps that will work and we can start over.

Wednesday, 2:17pm - I give all of my new information, charge the $200 to my account, and get my receipt.  When I look down at my nice shinny white paper, I see a charge for $3,990.  What??? "Umm, I think you charged me $3,990,"  The man behind the counter scratches his head. "Really?" he says and takes a look.  "That was supposed to be $39.90 for the restocking fee."  I remind him, I shouldn't have to pay a restocking fee.  "Oh yeah," he says, "I'll have to get my manager out here to reverse that."

Wednesday, 2:21pm - Manager appears and hears the whole store.  "Yeah," she says, "For things like this, we can't reverse that, we can only credit your AT&T account, so looks like you won't have to pay a bill for awhile."  Okay, now, $200 credit for an activation I can understand, but really, really, this was insane! 

Wednesday, 2:34pm - The Manager  says she will have to call  AT&T customer care to get it sorted out. 

Wednesday, 3:19pm - AT&T customer care answers.  They see a hold on my AT&T account and can not release the additional payment because they can not see why that payment was made.  The manager suggests maybe I try my credit card company.  I, of course say, "I would call them right now if I had a cell to call on!" 

Wednesday, 3:41pm - AT&T customer care and the mangers and sales people with in the AT&T store toss their hands up in the air and literally say, "I guess some people are not meant to have an iPhone." 

Wednesday, 4:01pm - I toss my hands up in the air and say, well I need to leave here with a phone and chose the AT&T Tilt, if nothing else I am told this one I can return in 30 days without a restocking fee, and evade the chances of AT&T charging me thousands of more dollars should I return it.  Once again, to exchange, I am told that would be a $39.90 restocking fee.  I stare blankly.  The sales man who was rapping in the beginning laughed loudly and went back to texting on his own phone. 

Wednesday, 4:20pm - I exit the AT&T store with my $4190 + tax AT&T tilt, only to find a $40 parking ticket on my car.  Go figure. 

In this day I saw 16 people come in with billing issues, 4 brand new cell phones returned, and 6 people who said everytime they dialed out the first time, the cell would drop the call so their bills were double what they should be.  I wondered about all the people like myself who typically can't  find the time in the day to go into a store to argue about a strange charge on their bill.

And then I wondered if I should have tossed in everything and gone with Skype.